How Would you Balance the Following Equation Fe+O2 → Fe2O3

Answer: Tallying the number of atoms on both sides, we find that they are unbalanced.

On left Fe=1, O=2, on right Fe=2, O=3

Fe+O₂ → Fe₂O₃

Balancing O₂ molecules,

Fe+3O₂ → Fe₂O₃

Left: O= 3 x 2= 6, Fe=1

Right: O= 3, Fe=2

Balancing right side to obtain 6 molecules of O,

Fe+3O₂ → 2Fe₂O₃

Left: O= 3 x 2= 6, Fe=1

Right: O= 6, Fe=4

O is balanced, on left Fe=1 and on right Fe=4

So, 4Fe+3O₂ → 2Fe₂O₃

Left: O= 6, Fe=4

Right: O= 6, Fe=4

Hence, the equation is balanced.